Miami University professors are working together to show the administration their concerns with the university's new building construction and renovations. More than 100 faculty members signed a letter drafted by political science professors Karen Dawisha and Steve DeLue voicing their anxieties with the university's priorities during these tough economic times. The letter states Miami could be spending money more wisely considering the budget deficit and less than gleaming economic outlook. They argue the new student center will bring additional costs down the road and even worsen Miami's debt burden.
The editorial board of The Miami Student believes the Bicentennial Student Center would make Miami more attractive to prospective students, but should not be a top priority during the current fiscal climate of the university and state. Miami should focus on preserving the university's academic quality and turning out students of the highest caliber. The university can attract quality students through keeping tuition costs reasonable and offering merit and need scholarships - this should be their main focus.
The board understands that students look at the physical facilities when they visit campus, but
Miami already has an attractive campus, quality academic buildings and historic landmarks. This is the time to showcase what the university has and stay dedicated to their core values. The academic culture of Miami must be preserved and this can't happen if departments don't have the money to operate, hire qualified professors and keep classes small.
The board would also like to recognize the faculty who organized the letter for not staying quiet on something about which they are passionate. They are using their resources to express their opinions and remind the administration of the university's core mission in hopes the administration will keep its actions aligned with that mission.
The board believes the university should continue accepting donations for the center, but should not spend resources fundraising and campaigning for the project. Those resources, both time and money, should be spent in a more responsible way.
After graduation what matters is what students learn and the value of the Miami degree in the real world, which is based on the quality of graduates. During a recession it is sometimes necessary to sacrifice the luxury items. This board would like a new student center, but it is a luxury. The administration needs to focus on the necessities of making college affordable to a diverse range of students through merit and need scholarships and ensuring that those students have professors of the highest quality. Building a student center means nothing if you can't fill it with high-quality people.
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